Fort Worth is brimming with Tex-Mex and BBQ joints, but doesn’t seem uncharacteristic for small birria-focused taqueria to manage to cut through the noise and earn a Michelin nod. Birrieria y Taqueria Cortez is the kind of unassuming spot you might drive past without noticing—unless you catch the aroma of slow-cooked beef and sizzling tortillas wafting through the air.
Launched in 2021 by Rogelio Cortez Jr., the taqueria began as a food truck—a pandemic pivot that quickly gained a loyal following. The concept was simple but executed with care: focus on birria, a Jalisco-style stew of beef (or goat) marinated in chiles and spices, cooked until tender, and served with consommé for dipping.
Inside, the atmosphere is casual and vibrant. The interior boasts a bold red-orange palette that mirrors the heat of the kitchen, and there’s a welcoming outdoor patio for al fresco dining. Despite its humble décor, what sets this place apart is the food: bold flavors, generous portions, and unbeatable value. The tacos—especially the crispy, cheese-filled quesabirria—are the star, but don’t skip the birria ramen or birria pizza, creative twists that have helped build the restaurant’s cult following.
Unlike some birria spots that go heavy on spice, Cortez’s version leans into a balanced, savory broth. The consommé is rich, earthy, and perfect for sipping or dunking tacos. To wash it all down, options like Mexican Coke and fresh aguas frescas keep the meal refreshing.
What truly stands out is that meals here rarely cross the $20 mark. That kind of quality at that price point is a rarity—and likely a key reason it was recently featured on the Michelin Guide’s list of recommended restaurants in Texas.
If you’re in Fort Worth or planning a culinary road trip, this is a stop worth making. Come hungry, and bring napkins—you’ll need them.
